Super Bowl Party Tips

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few weeks, you know that Super Bowl XLVI takes place this Sunday.  Whether you’re a Giants or a Patriots fan, are hosting or attending a party, you can have fun without getting out of hand.  Since the College Station police will be out in full force to make sure our streets are safe, they’ve offered the following Super Bowl party tips to make sure your party goes without a hitch (or a trip to jail).

• Keep salty snacks to a minimum.  Salt makes you thirsty, which, in turn, makes people want to drink more, increasing the possibility of overconsumption of alcohol.
• Make sure there is a designated driver appointed at the beginning of the festivities to ensure that all guests get home safely.  Don’t be afraid to be upfront with your guests.  Let them know in no uncertain terms that drunk and disorderly is not acceptable in your College Station home.  Those who tend to overindulge in their alcohol intake should be addressed ahead of time to make sure they have a safe way to get home that doesn’t include them getting behind the wheel and driving.
• Include a nice variety of sodas, flavored waters and other non-alcoholic drinks.  Not everyone likes alcohol, but everyone gets thirsty.  You also want something for your designated drivers to enjoy.
• If your party includes an alcohol-based punch, use fruit juice as a base rather than soda water, ginger ale or other carbonated beverage.  The body absorbs more alcohol when consumed with a carbonated beverage than it does with juice.
• Underage drinking is a crime.  Serving alcohol to minors is also a crime.  The only people who should be allowed an alcoholic beverage at the party should be at least 21 years old.  Don’t even ask kids to serve any alcohol to the adults, as this could be a fineable offense and may encourage them to sneak a sip here and there.
• Use a bartender to create the mixed drinks for everyone instead of using the “free-for-all” method.  This doesn’t have to be a professional.  You or a buddy can play bartender for the evening.  Having just one bartender keeps the alcohol consumption in check much easier than when everyone is allowed to make their own drink.
• All alcoholic beverages should stop being served at least 90 minutes before the party is set to end.  Start serving a nice dessert with coffee or caffeinated tea to beat back any effects of the alcohol your guests have just consumed.  You want to make sure that your guests get home safe and sound.

The police can’t be everywhere at all times.  It is up to us to help them keep our College Station streets safe.  You can have a great time and enjoy one of the biggest parties of the year in a safe and sane manner by utilizing these Super Bowl party tips. 

Stephanie Hansson, Living the Good Life in Bryan – College Station Real Estate